Dragonflies wings, as the name suggests is one of the most beautiful creations made by nature. The wings are covered with hairs and look very elegant when they are fluffed up with the help of some high quality silk or satin material. These all time favourite creatures belong to the insect family named Cimicidae. It is believed that dragonflies’ wings were discovered in Greece many years ago. There were even drawings of these amazing creatures, however the source of information about them has not been entirely authenticated. Some historians do believe that the discovery was made near the island of Crete in the Mediterranean Sea.
There are many similarities between the dragonflies and bees. They too have got wings, but unlike bees they do not fly. Bees, like dragonflies too need to have a regular dose of nectar in their diet. They also need a specially designed ‘bee stomach’ so that when they get too full the abdomen contracts forcing the bee back inside the flower. This way, the bee’s energy can be spent on other vital processes.
In spite of the beauty of these insects, dragonflies have never been found in any ancient Egyptian tomb. In fact, there is no evidence to suggest that any dragonflies ever visited Egypt before the pharaohs of the thirteenth century. One of the only places where dragonflies could have been found in the ancient world is in Greece. They are commonly depicted on Greek vase and pottery, but their real life appearance is extremely limited. They are rarely seen in flight and their wings are very fragile and delicate, which explains why no ancient Greek artwork or writings have ever portrayed them in flight. The closest images we can find are very simple pictures of dragonflies hooked onto a fish or being ridden by fish.
Nobody is quite sure what the real purpose for dragonflies’ wings in ancient times was. Archaeologists have found beads and figurines with dragonfly features, but it is highly debated whether these dragonflies’ wings were actually used for protection or fertility. There is no real way to tell if a dragonfly wing use was widespread in ancient times, but many Egyptian paintings feature winged animals. Some of these have a very distinct connection to fertility and sexual enhancement.
Ancient Egyptian mythology also gives some additional information on the exact nature of dragonflies’ wings. It is thought that the Egyptian god of magic, Osiris, may in fact have borrowed the wing structure of these creatures to create his own magical wings. Similarly, Horus, the god of the sky, was also believed to have borrowed this magical wing design. It is also possible that these wings may have been used during the earliest days of Christianity when it was necessary for church members to keep their religion secret from outsiders.
Through the ages and through several different religions, dragonflies have become a symbol of many things. Historically, many people have used them as a form of spiritual protection, as well as a means of enhancing physical beauty. Throughout various cultures and religions, dragonflies can be found as decorative items. In ancient times, they are still used as a kind of talisman. Whether they have a mystical or religious significance, the wide variety of dragonflies’ wings that exist today will continue to fascinate people everywhere.